Principal Accessibility Officer

We are looking for an experienced Principal Accessibility Officer to provide expert advice and leadership on accessibility and inclusive design across development proposals, regeneration schemes, and public realm projects.

The role will help ensure that accessibility is considered from the earliest stages of the development process, promoting inclusive, high-quality environments that meet statutory requirements, recognised standards, and best practice.

You will work collaboratively with officers, councillors, developers, community groups, and other stakeholders to champion inclusive design, provide specialist technical advice, and secure improvements to accessibility across the built environment.

You will also identify and pursue external funding opportunities, including Heritage Lottery and other grant programmes, to support accessibility improvements and regeneration initiatives.

Responsibilities:

• Act as the Council's lead specialist on accessibility and inclusive design.
• Review planning applications, development proposals, and public realm schemes, providing specialist accessibility advice.
• Influence developers, architects, and project teams through meetings, design reviews, and negotiations to secure positive accessibility outcomes.
• Assess access statements, undertake site visits, and prepare clear reports and recommendations for officers, committees, and stakeholders.
• Advise councillors, officers, developers, community groups, and members of the public on accessibility matters.
• Respond to enquiries, complaints, and consultations relating to accessibility.
• Support regeneration and public realm projects by embedding accessibility and inclusive design throughout project development and delivery.
• Provide expert advice across planning, development management, regeneration, and public realm projects.
• Maintain professional accreditation through membership of the National Register of Access Consultants and/or the International Association of Accessibility Professionals, applying current best practice.
• Identify funding opportunities and prepare or contribute to grant applications, including Heritage Lottery and other regeneration funding.
• Manage multiple projects and priorities while maintaining accurate records and meeting deadlines.
• Represent the Council on accessibility and inclusive design matters at meetings, design reviews, committees, stakeholder forums, and partnership groups.
• Work with internal teams including planning, highways, regeneration, housing, and legal, as well as developers, architects, consultants, disability access groups, community organisations, funding bodies, and statutory agencies.
• Support service planning, policy development, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor emerging legislation, guidance, and best practice and recommend improvements to ensure the Council continues to deliver accessible and inclusive development.
• Contribute to the Council's transformation and improvement agenda.

Requirements:

• Expert knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design principles.
• Experience providing specialist accessibility advice within planning, development, regeneration, public realm, or a related environment.
• The ability to assess development proposals and provide clear, practical recommendations.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• The ability to influence developers, professionals, councillors, and other stakeholders to achieve positive accessibility outcomes.
• Experience working collaboratively across different services and organisations.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Knowledge of relevant accessibility legislation, standards, guidance, and best practice.
• Experience of contributing to policy, service improvement, and project delivery.
• Experience identifying and supporting applications for external funding would be advantageous.
• A commitment to inclusive, resident-focused services and continuous improvement.

Benefits:

• Flexible Working Hours
• 36 Hour Week
• Generous Holiday Entitlement
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes
• Cycle to Work
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• Perkbox Benefits
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services
• Travel Support
• Trade Union Membership